Many people are confused as to whether or not they are actually taking good care of their eyes.  What does that really mean? Well, now we’ve developed a short quiz to help you determine whether or not you know how to take care of your eyes and what you should be doing.  Take the following quiz and see how you do:

1. How often do you see your eye doctor for an eye exam?

1. Whenever I feel like it
2. When I can’t see as well as I could before
3. At least every two years
4. I don’t

2. Which food is the best source of Lutein, that incredibly eye-healthy nutrient

1. Kale
2. Potatoes
3. Carrots
4. McDonalds

3. Which of the following could damage your eyesight?

1. Staring at your computer screen all day
2. Smoking
3. Reading in dim light
4. Driving on the left side of the road

4. Which eye disease can cause 40% loss of sight before you even notice it?

1. Glaucoma
2. Cataracts
3. You’d notice anything wrong with your eyes
4. Pink eye

5. If you get an eye infection should you?

1. Go straight to the hospital or your eye doctor
2. Use natural, or organic eye drops
3. Just wait it out, it will get better
4. Have a nice cup of tea

6. You want new sunglasses. Do you?

1. Buy the cheapest pair
2. Get fake Gucci’s on eBay
3. Make sure you buy ones that have passed safety regulations
4. Spend as much as you possibly can to look the best

7. Which of these is a symptom of age related macular degeneration?

1. Pain
2. Loss of central vision
3. Loss of side vision
4. Forgetting to pick your grandchildren up from school

Here are the answers:

1. You should have your eyes checked at least every 2 years.

2. Green leafy, Kale is the best food to provide the nutrient Lutein, most needed by eyes to perform at their best.

3. If you smoke you’re up to 4 times more likely to develop age related macular degeneration.

4. Glaucoma has been called the sneak thief of sight. It sneaks up and gradually causes your vision to move inwards.

5. Go straight to your doctor or eye doctor.  Serious problems can be avoided by rapid action.

6. Always check the safety regulations before buying any sunglasses.  Buy a pair that blocks 100% of UV rays.

7. Loss of central vision is a sign of age related macular degeneration, which affects almost a third of the people above 75 years old.  It is a very tricky disease to detect and only your eye doctor can know for sure.

How did you score? How many questions did you get right?

1-2 You have probably been lucky to not get any serious eye diseases, or injuries.  But you should study up some more on eye health and learn how to take better care of your eyes.

3-4 You’re doing pretty well, but you also need to be a bit more diligent when it comes to the health of your eyes.  Check back on the answers you got wrong and read our other Simon Eye blogs for more useful data.

5-7 Congratulations! It looks like you’re doing very well and know your stuff.  Keep it up.  Knowledge is the first defense in the fight to keep our eyes healthy and happy.

Healthy Vision Longer

Whatever you do for a profession, whether you’re a carpenter, or a teacher, healthy vision is vital to your success.  The American Optometric Association says that on the job eye injury and strain is not only common, but cost billions in lost productivity each year.  These figures are startling considering that 90% of these workplace injuries could be prevented simply by wearing properly designed and fitted protective eyewear.

But worrying about something flying into your eyes is not the only thing you have to be worried about.  If you’re like the rest of America, you sit in front of a computer all day long, text on your Smart Phone, browse the web at home, etc.  You also need to protect your vision.  Computer Vision Syndrome is a relatively new word, which brings with it some painful and uncomfortable symptoms such as: dry eyes, headaches, fatigue, blurred vision and loss of focus.

The below recommendations will go a long way to ensuring you have great vision for a very long time:

1. Give it a rest. Make sure you apply the 20-20-20 rule.  That is, for every 20 minutes at your computer, make sure you look away to a distance 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

2. Increase the font size on your PDA. Most PDAs use tiny fonts that are very hard to see.

3. Make sure your monitor is set to the best resolution available.  This will offer greater clarity.  Also, adjust your monitors brightness to a level you feel is comfortable.

4. Look down.  The American Optometric Associates says that it’s easier for the eyes to focus on reading material that is below reading level.

And above all else, make sure you see your local Optometrist at least once a year to ensure your eyes are happy and healthy.

Computer Vision Syndrome

Contact lens wearers should stock up on lenses ahead of springtime, one eye health expert has advised. With the allergy season just around the corner, eye care expert Dr K W Scarbrough has warned that unclean or old lenses can make allergy attacks `mildly irritating or impossible`. As such, while contact lenses may be necessary for good eyesight, the Washington State-based eyecare professional has noted that regularly changing lenses is the best means of getting through the spring and summer as healthily as possible. “Dirty lenses are a time-bomb for allergic wearers,” he explained to the Northlake News.” Lenses should be replaced often; one-use lenses can allow some sufferers to wear their lenses even in the worst times.” Furthermore, he also advised contact lens wearers to think about carrying a spare pair of glasses with them when their allergies are at their peak.

Order your contact lenses directly from Simon Eye Associates http://www.simoneye.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.contacts

This article was written by Alexa Kaczka

Acuvue Contact Lenses from Simon Eye Associates

I found a great article by Dr. Alisa Hildeg.  She’s not an Optometrist, but she has some great things to say about vision and how to keep our eyes happy and healthy. Enjoy!

I recently found out that February is Low Vision Awareness Month, and it occurred to me that most of the time I take my sight for granted. I remember my great grandmother lost her vision to macular degeneration at a young age. Later, my grandmother lost her vision to cataracts but then surgery became available and she could drive again. If I lost all or most of my vision, how would it impact my life and my family’s life? How can I protect my sight and my family’s sight?

Eye examinations are about more than determining whether or not you need glasses. An eye exam can detect the effects of underlying health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, autoimmune problems and many other diseases that can rob you of your sight. Proper eye care and treatment can prevent, maintain or improve various eye conditions. Because the early signs of many eye conditions can be mild, regular eye exams are the best way to catch problems early. When a child is born, their eyes should be examined in the hospital for congenital conditions such as cataracts or eye muscle problems. Their physician should check their eyes each time they go in for well-baby and well-child exams.

If there is a difference in vision between the two eyes, it needs to be addressed before a child is 4 to 5 years old or it could cause permanent problems. Poor vision over time can cause difficulties at school, headaches and even behavior issues. As an adult, how often you should get an eye exam depends on your age and whether you have any special risk factors like diabetes, a family history of glaucoma or previous eye injuries or surgeries. Ask your eye doctor how often you should get an exam. Besides routine eye exams, you can help preserve your and your family’s sight by being vigilant for signs and symptoms. If you notice any of them, get to a physician as soon as possible. Any sudden change of vision needs immediate evaluation that day.

In children, watch for eyes that do not line up or appear crossed; red, crusty or swollen eyelids; watery or red eyes; rubbing eyes frequently; covering or closing one eye to see things; struggling with reading or other close-up work; holding things close to see them; squinting a lot; complaining of itchy, burning or scratchy eyes; dizziness, headaches or nausea after doing close-up work; and complaining of blurry or double vision. In adults, be alert for the same things that you watch for in children, but also difficulty adjusting to dark rooms; trouble focusing; sensitivity to light or glare; change in eye color; recurring pain in or around the eyes; a dark spot at the center of anything you look at; wavy or distorted lines; spots in the vision; loss of vision in one eye; seeing flashes that others do not see; halos or rainbows around lights; and loss of side vision.

Some things are signs of a need for glasses or contact lenses, but others can be symptoms of more serious conditions that need treatment. You can read about many common eye conditions in more detail at the National Eye Institute Web site ( www.nei.nih.gov/ index.asp). If you feel that you cannot afford to go to an eye doctor, you can find information about financial assistance at www.preventblindness. org/vlc/resources.htm and www.nei.nih.gov/health/ financialaid.asp. Another aspect of eye health is preventing injury. There are around 2 million serious eye injuries per year, and some estimates put as many as 90 percent of these as being preventable.

Protect your eyes from injury by wearing safety glasses, safety goggles or a face shield when you mow the lawn, work with wood or do anything where there is potential for injury. This includes handling chemicals, racquet sports, basketball, baseball and hockey. I wear sunglasses that have a safety rating for some of these activities because sun damage can cause melanomas, cataracts and other preventable eye problems. Get your routine eye exams and be vigilant about your vision. Stack the deck in your favor for a lifetime of good vision so you can (literally) watch your kids and your grandkids grow up.

Low Vision Month

If you’re like me then you spend an awful lot of time at your computer.  In fact, I spend so much time on mine that I’ve made a special harness for my laptop that attaches directly to my arm.  Not really.  But I do spend about 9 hours a day on it at work and then I check my email at night, do research on it in the evenings, read on it, social network, etc.  And the thing is, most people do the exact same thing.  But what is this doing to our eyes? Well, nearsightedness is up 66 percent since the 1970s, for one thing.

Researchers compared the eyesight information of more than 4,400 people tested in 1971 and 1972.  They also took eyesight data of those tested between 1999 and 2004.  The results were shocking.  A massive 66 percent increase in nearsightedness.  Although nearsightedness is poorly understood, it is clear that the increase in computer use, the increase in TV watching, texting, etc. are clearly the leading causes of this eye condition.

So what’s the solution? First of all, GET OUTSIDE MORE! Take 5 minute breaks at work and don’t just sit there surfing the net, GO OUTSIDE and look around.  In fact, for every 20 minutes you spend at your computer, you should be looking 20 feet into the distance for 20 seconds.  With just this small change, you could be saving yourself thousands of dollars in Eye Exams, glasses, etc.  So, get out there and smell the roses.

Nearsightedness

It seems like we’re getting an awful lot of snowfall in Delaware this Winter.  We haven’t had many major snowstorms, besides that one just before Christmas, but we seem to be getting a little bit of snowfall every week.  This can create more problems than just a dirty car.  It can also affect your eyesight.  Especially, when you’re young and spend a lot of time playing in this white, fluffy snow.  That’s why when I came across this press release on PR Newswire I thought I’d pass it along to all of you.

CONCORD, Mass., Jan. 11 /PRNewswire/ — Each winter, parents pull out the outer coats, hats, scarves, gloves and boots to properly protect their children from the cold, but what about protecting their children’s eyes from the sun? According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), sunglasses are not just for sunny summer days, but are also needed during the winter season when reflections from snow, water, sand or pavement can intensify UV rays to extremely high levels. In addition, the sun’s rays pass right through haze and thin clouds, making sunglasses a necessity during the early afternoon sun, when UV radiation is strongest, and a must when participating in winter sports, particularly at high altitudes. When taking the kids in the car or the stroller, heading out to the bus stop or to sled or build a snowman don’t forget the shades.

The American Academy of Pediatrics says that children’s eyes are at increased risk for permanent damage from sunlight until they are at least 10 years old, because their eyes are highly sensitive and still developing. Furthermore, 90% of total lifetime damage from the sun’s harmful rays occurs by age 18.

The Real Kids Shades line of protective infants’ and children’s sunglasses provides 100% UV-A and UV-B ray protection, as recommended by Prevent Blindness America. Real Kids Shades are safe, lead-free and made of impact-resistant, shatterproof polycarbonate frames and lenses, a material hailed by Prevent Blindness America as “the first choice for children’s eyewear.”

“Recognizing that children’s eyes are at special risk from the harmful effects of UV rays since their eyes are still developing and are more vulnerable to sun damage, we developed Real Kids Shades to provide serious sun protection in comfortable, kid-friendly and stylish designs,” says Lisa Medora, VP Product Development, Real Kids Shades.

“Real Kids Shades were developed to be both durable to withstand kids’ lifestyles and great-looking, so that kids will want to wear them,” added David Scheinberg, CEO, Real Kids Shades.

The Real Kids Shades are designed for all children 12 and under in a wide assortment of polycarbonate shatterproof frames and lenses with adjustable neoprene bands, rubber flex or metallic frames. Several of the styles can be fitted with prescription lenses. Retail prices start at $14.99 to $19.99. For more information and store location, visit www.realkidshades.com.

Real Kids Shades

The below is taken in part from an article from Eyecare Business Magazine:

Several vision organizations recently released studies related to kid’s vision and eyecare, revealing some interesting statistics. For instance, according to a national survey by VSP (Vision Care and Prevent Blindness America) released in August: One in Four 6-11 year-olds wears prescription glasses. Almost two-thirds of children under age 6 have never had an eye exam by an eye doctor.

Low Eye Q?: The American Optometric Association’s survey found that: One in four children in the U.S. has an undetected vision problem. 58 Percent of children do not receive their first eye exam until the age of three or older. 88 Percent of the survey respondents did not realize that one in four kids has a visual impairment.

Missed Opportunities: New research by the National Committee on Vision and Health revealed: One-quarter of school age children suffer from vision problems that could have been addressed or eliminated if proper eye assessment programs and follow-up care had taken place when they started school.  In One-third of children with vision problems, screenings missed finding vision conditions.

The Vision-Learning Link: More than one in five 12 to 17 year-olds have difficulty seeing the classroom chalkboard, although 45 percent in this age group wear some type of prescription eyewear. Studies indicate 60 percent of children identified as “problem learners” actually suffer from undetected vision problems and in some cases have been inaccurately diagnosed with ADHD.

UV Exposure: The average child receives three times the annual UV exposure of an adult. The lens of the eye of a child under age 10 allows more than six times the amount of UV radiation than an adult eye.

Child Eyecare

The importance of an Eye Exam has been proven time and time again.  However, we often neglect Eye Exams for our Children, thinking they are young and don’t need one.  We sometimes think that it is only the older generation that needs Eye Exams on a regular basis.  This is not so.  There are many vision problems which could affect your children if not taken care of early.  These vision problems could lead to learning disabilities, trouble paying attention in class, headaches and much more.

Many children suffer from inhibited learning due to eye conditions, which can be corrected easily with a visit to the optician.  Simon Eye Associates is encouraging parents to schedule appointments for the Holiday break in response to the statistic that up to 86 per cent of school-aged children have never had a thorough eye exam.  In fact, many patients who come in to Simon Eye Associates, having been previously diagnosed with learning impairments, but in reality all that needed correcting was poor eyesight or visual skills.  If your student struggled through the first half of this school year, now is the time to bring them for a complete eye exam. The problem may not be learning-related; it may be solved simply by getting corrective vision wear.  New imaging technology is being used to diagnose eye problems early and therefore maximise the effectiveness of treatment.

Child Studying

As a continuing effort to help our patients stay informed and educated about their eye care, Simon Eye Associates puts together a Tip of the Month.  This month, it’s How to Protect Your Eyes from Corneal Abrasions.  First off, what is a Cornea? The Cornea is that tissue, which resides at the front of the eye.  It helps focus light coming into the eyes.  This tissue, since it’s at the front of the eye, is easily susceptible to cuts, scratches and damage from debris.  In order to avoid such problems, which could negatively affect your eyes, or eyesight, we recommend the following tips:

1.  Remember to keep your fingernails clipped short and to clean them often.  Many eye infections and injuries stem from someone accidentally sticking themselves with their fingernail.

2. If you wear contact lenses, remember to keep them clean.  The importance of keeping contact lenses clean has been covered in previous Simon Eye blogs.  Along with keeping your contact lenses clean, make sure you are very careful when putting them in.  Also, it is important to never sleep with your contact lenses in all night.

3.  If you work in a profession that involves machines, sawdust, metal, or wood, you should always wear eye protection.

It is very easy to protect your eyes, you just need to exercise a little caution and take the appropriate actions.

The Cornea

Very few people in Delaware have heard of LASIK. Actually, that isn’t true, many have, but they often come here confused and wondering what it is. It’s actually very simple. Laser vision correction (LASIK) is a procedure that corrects for nearsightedness (inability to see objects in the distance) by using a Laser. LASIK is the most advanced eye procedure available and the procedure of choice for the correction of myopia (nearsightedness) and small amounts of hyperopia (farsightedness).  When most people hear the word laser, they think Star Wars. No, that’s not the kind of laser it is. In fact, we use a Wavefront Laser, which uses 3-dimensional measurements of how your eye processes to guide the laser in re-shaping the front part of the eye.

Why Should You Get It?

Many people who choose LASIK surgery have jobs that require good vision. With contact lenses or glasses, these people often find that their corrective lenses also get in the way of them performing their job functions at peak ability. Fire-fighters, police officers, athletes, and emergency service personnel all depend highly on good vision, but, at the same time, find that corrective lenses get in the way. When taking into consideration the cost of LASIK eye surgery, you should also take into consideration the positive effect that LASIK could have on your career.

Even is you don’t have a career which would benefit from LASIK, you should still weigh up your options. Are you a mom who has a very active lifestyle and just can’t seem to hang onto those eyeglasses? Do your contact lenses irritate your eyes and constantly fall out? There are many reasons people get LASIK eye surgery. You now have the information, the choice is yours.

Delaware LASIK Vision Correction